US Airman Recounts Iran Rescue
An Air Force officer described evading capture after being shot down over Iran.
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Updated Sep 14, 6:00pm ETEvery side, every morning
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What happened
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran in April during the U.S. war with Iran. The crew had struck industrial sites tied to drone and missile programs south of Isfahan. The weapons systems officer, known only by the call sign “Bravo,” said an Iranian missile hit the jet like a freight train. The pilot, “Alpha,” ejected both crew members. Alpha was rescued within hours. Bravo, badly hurt after a damaged parachute landing, evaded capture for nearly two days. CBS’s “60 Minutes” aired his first public interview and rescue footage.
How each side covered it
From the left
Left-leaning coverage focused on the interview’s political framing as much as Bravo’s ordeal. The Guardian reported he described climbing a roughly 7,000-foot ridge with a broken back, arm and shoulder. It said some critics called the “60 Minutes” segment Pentagon propaganda meant to boost support for Donald Trump’s unpopular war. The Daily Beast cited CNN reporting that the defense secretary and other political appointees pushed to get the story on air, despite both airmen reportedly being reluctant.
From the right
Right-leaning coverage stressed Bravo’s faith, endurance, and the military effort to bring him home. Breitbart News said he prayed after his F-15E was shot down. It said he survived a broken back and other injuries. The outlet also reported he spent about 50 hours behind enemy lines as Iranian forces searched for him. The Daily Wire described the missile strike as sudden and violently forceful. Townhall said newly declassified video showed Joint Special Operations Command forces rescuing Bravo.
Headlines
Left2
‘60 Minutes’ Viewers Call BS on Hegseth’s Airman ‘Propaganda’Center4
A US airman recounts how he evaded capture for days after being shot down and badly injured
Downed airman recounts survival, two days behind enemy lines in Iran
US Air Force officer reveals his prayer after getting shot down in IranRight6
Shot Down, Hunted, Stranded: Inside Airman’s Miracle Rescue
The F-15E Weapons Officer Shot-Down Over Iran Just Told His Incredible Story
US Airman Credits Faith, Comrades for 50-Hour Survival Behind Enemy Lines in Iran
Rescued Air Force Officer and the 'Evidence of Real Life Miracles'
Air Force Officer Shot Down Over Iran Tells '60 Minutes' Prayer Got Him Through Harrowing Ordeal
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